Juicy Baked Chicken Breast Carlsbad Craving

Watch How to Make oven baked chicken breast

Pound chicken to an even thickness

This tenderizes the chicken and helps the chicken cook more evenly. Place the chicken on a cutting board or flat surface and top with plastic wrap. Gently pound the chicken to an even thickness using the smooth side of a mallet, rolling pin, or side of a can.

Brine Chicken

Combine warm water and kosher salt together in a freezer size bag or large bowl. Stir until the salt dissolves. Add chicken and let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Remove chicken from the brine, rinse in cold water and pat dry.

Grease Pan

Brush the bottom of a 9×13 pan with softened butter. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and infuse the chicken with buttery goodness.

How to season baked chicken breast

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer and brush both sides with olive oil. This will help insulate the chicken and keep it extra juicy. Whisk the seasonings together, then evenly sprinkle over the chicken. Avoid rubbing the seasoning because this causes clumps, and unevenly seasoned areas. Instead, pat the spices so they stick to the chicken. You can use the spice blend in the recipe card, or any spices your heart desires! See the variations section.

How to cook baked chicken breast

Bake the chicken uncovered until it registers 160 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. The total baking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken.

Rest Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the chicken to reabsorb all the juices and ensure it’s extra juicy.